Caravaggio: the paintings by Michelangelo Merisi

CARAVAGGIO: THE PAINTINGS BY MICHELANGELO MERISI

Caravaggio is famous both for his adventurous life and the anguished realism of his works. His existence was a succession of works of genius and coups de theatre, conflicts with his clients, which caused even the refusal of some of his works and violent brawls.READ ALSO: The life of Caravaggio, 5 things to know.

Caravaggio in his paintings expressed the grief and the suffering of human beings, and the realism of his works attracted a lot of followers and imitators.Here are Caravaggio’s works you must know and where you can admire them.

BOY WITH A BASKET OF FRUIT

Where: Galleria Borghese, Rome.

This is one of the early paintings Caravaggio did when he was working in Cavalier d’Arpino’s studio.

Caravaggio, fanciullo con canestro di frutta

THE FORTUNE TELLER

Where: Pinacoteca Capitolina, Rome.

The painting was bought by Cardinal del Monte, because it represented a story of street life at that time, through an exchange of glance and expressions never seen before. The knight is charmed by the eyes of the gypsy woman, who steals the ring from his hand, while reading his palm.

THE MUSICIANS

Caravaggiopainted this painting when he was hosted at the Palazzo Madama by Cardinal del Monte, who was his most important client.

Caravaggio, Concerto (1595) – Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

REST ON THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

Where: Galleria Doria Pamphilij, Rome.

In 1983 scholars identified the musical score painted by Caravaggio that reproduces a melody of the Flemish composer Noel Bauldewijn (1480-1529), based on the text “The Song of the Songs” (or “The Song of Solomon”).

THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC

Where: Gallerie degli Uffizi, Florence.

Commissioned by Cardinal Maffeo Barberini, who would become Pope Urban VIII, the payments for the work were on the Cardinal’s list of expenses, but when Caravaggio was arrested after a charge of defamation, they were suspended. The artist finished his work while he was under house arrest.